By Michael Colon, Community Relations Officer, San Diego County Credit Union

Autumn is upon us, and Southern California’s cool weather means there’s no greater time to get out and have some fun. The best part is, San Diego offers many free or low-cost options to take advantage of the season. Check out these three ideas that will help you make the most of the season.  

 1. Get Outside and Enjoy Nature!

Whether it’s the mountains or the beach, getting away from the commotion of the city can help you ease stress and reconnect with nature. Many parks offer nature trails that indicate a trail’s suggested skill level, providing options for beginners as well as more experienced hikers.

Check out San Diego County Parks and Recreation for their upcoming Warrior Hike Challenge on November 11.  Choose your skill level and enjoy a morning out in the fresh air!

You can also join County Parks for their upcoming Green Friday event. On the day after Thanksgiving, County Parks encourages San Diegans to swap shopping plans for outdoor experiences offering family-friendly activities in parks and preserves across the region. Activities are open to residents and visitors of all ages, interest and abilities, and there is no cost to attend.

2. Local City & Chamber of Commerce Events

Local city and chamber of commerce websites are a great resource that provide information on events taking place in your community. Many of the events are free and open to the public. City and chamber sites are also a good resource for information on local restaurants, the latest news in the area, lodging and important city contact information. The city websites offer more general information, while the chamber websites are more specific to the area. Check out your local chamber and city website to see what fun local events they have planned.

Check out the calendars for local cities on LiveWellSD.org.

3. Visit a Museum

If you want to do something inspiring for yourself and the people you love, check out your local museum. Museums are great learning experiences that can transport you to the past, where you have access to the works of great artists, inventions and objects that have changed history and our lives. You may find a unique and interesting museum in your town that highlights the local history or an unusual niche.

For example, the Academy Museum of Moving Pictures opened six floors of exhibitions that take you inside over a century of movie-making magic. Another great place to visit is the San Diego Air & Space Museum that takes you on a journey of the history of flight, from the days of hot-air balloons to today’s space shuttles.

Sometimes it’s the simplest things that inspire us the most. It’s also a great opportunity to spend time with friends and family, which can further develop personal connections.  

Visit our Financial Knowledge Blog to learn more tips on setting up a solid financial future or join us for Financial Wellness Wednesdays.